Gifts That Keep On Giving

by Joan Fedyszyn

Who doesn’t love receiving a gift? Yet for many, gift giving can be a source of great stress and anxiety. Most BRO readers are probably well into “making their list & checking it twice.” But let’s face it; there are always those certain people who present a real problem when trying to select the “perfect” gift. You know who they are: your “alternative” friend who has a “difficult” time with the “consumerism” of the season; or your perfectly put-together style-maven friend who is always one step ahead of In Style magazine; or your favorite “Auntie” who already owns two of EVERYTHING.

Gift ideas for these people can take some out-of-the-box thinking; out of the “gift box,” that is. A great way to approach this seasonal dilemma is to utilize a category I like to call “Gifts That Keep On Giving.” These are gifts that remain long after the tree has been mulched. Here are a few ideas:

Buffalo is exceptionally lucky to be the home of many talented actors and performers who regularly delight us. A perfect “Gift That Keeps On Giving” is a subscription series of tickets to a local theatrical venue. Buffalo has many to choose from and one to fit your budget. Use your gift-giving dilemma to support Buffalo’s newest theatrical venue, the Road Less Traveled Theater, or one of the more established stages, such as the Irish Classical, Alleyway or Ujima Theaters. Buffalo’s wonderful Dipson Movie Theaters and the Market Arcade Film & Arts Center also offer Holiday Gift Certificates sure to please any cineast on your list. Or you can purchase tickets for the dazzling Neglia Ballet’s ’07 season.

A year membership to one of Buffalo’s wonderful cultural institutions such as the Albright-Knox, the Burchfield-Penney, or CEPA, just to name a few, is also a great gift that can be enjoyed long after the Holidays. A family membership to the Buffalo Zoo or the Buffalo Museum of Science provides a year of visits and activities, as well as access to educational classes for adults and children alike. Check out Anna Miller’s BRO post, “The Gift Of Culture” for other local institutions.

For budding artists of all ages, The Bryant St. Studio offers art classes in many disciplines. The Studio also offers “Date Night” evening childcare services for parents who would like to occasionally have an “adult” evening of fun.

The gift of health is certainly a “Gift That Keeps On Giving.” Spa services are luxurious gifts for men & women; young & not so young. Gary Robb, Studio 806, The Massage Studio all offer a selection of various therapeutic and relaxation treatments.

A “Day d’Beaute’” is always a special treat. A great haircut & color for a friend who’s job hunting, could be that little extra boost that leads to success. There are great salons in every neighborhood; Elmwood, Hertel, Allentown. Find one that’s convenient. Manicures, pedicures, tanning, and facials are also gifts that please.

The Jewish Community Center is a fantastic health, fitness and pool facility that offers personal and family membership programs as well as many extra amenities. Sessions with a personal trainer could be a life-changing gift. Dan Mitchell’s new downtown facility, The Soap Box, offers personally designed one-on-one programs of health & fitness.

Help someone stuck in a “rut” find a new creative outlet. Classes in Yoga, Pilates, ballet, fencing, Tango, etc. can be just the thing to gear-shift someone into a new lease on life.

This is also a time when people reflect on the past year and think about some “New Year Resolutions.” A natal and a progressive astrological chart could help plot a ’07 strategy.

There are great gifts for the “foodies” in your life. One can never go wrong with a gift certificate to one of Buffalo’s MANY fabulous restaurants. Or how about planning a “once a month lunch” with a beloved friend? Cooking classes in many disciplines are available at a number of places. Joann Tomasulo offers classes from her book, the “28-Day Cleansing Diet” and Delish provides an extensive list of cooking and food preparation classes to choose from. Gift certificates to specialty food stores such as the Lexington Co Op, Washington Market, The Globe Maket, or Guercio’s are also a thoughtful gift.

Hard working college students can present special challenges as well as special opportunities for great gift giving. A gas gift card for a “fill up” can help a tight monthly budget go a little further. How about making a monthly car payment or picking up a semester’s tuition?

A donation to a person’s favorite charity is a very thoughtful gift, especially for those who “have everything.” Buffalo excels in philanthropic opportunities that benefit the arts and people less fortunate.

What aspiring “Project Runway” contestant wouldn’t be thrilled with a new sewing machine or sewing classes from Elmwood Village Fabrics?

These are just a few “Gifts That Keep On Giving” suggestions that will, hopefully, help you to find a uniquely personal gift for a friend or loved one. With a little thought, you’ll be able to come up with many more. Buffalo is a veritable treasure trove of locally owned shops and services that provide an amazing array of gift possibilities.

Whether the gift you choose comes in or is outside of the “gift-box,” remember, it’s really the spirit of love and appreciation that is important.

Photo: A "Gift That Keeps On Giving:" one of Mrs. M's delightful Holiday windows @ The Floristry

Buffalo Rising Holiday Gift Guide

The Gift Of Culture

Buffalo Theaters